A cycling charity has launched a new insurance scheme to help protect bikes and boost its own coffers.

Sustrans - which campaigns for sustainable transport in the UK - has teamed up with insurance company Butterworth to offer cyclists a comprehensive package.

The charity will receive 10 per cent of all premiums, and put the money towards maintaining bridges on the National Cycle Network.

“Encouraging and enabling people to travel by bike is vital in terms of tackling climate change and rising levels of obesity,” said Sustrans’ Julian Hunt.

“We’re delighted to offer cyclists peace of mind that their wheels are covered against theft, and that they are helping Sustrans make our environment safer and more attractive for cyclists.”

He also said that more than 1,200 bikes were stolen every day in the UK.

The policy will be open to all types of pedal-bikes, and cyclists who take out the ‘all risks’ option will be covered in the event of theft, a crash or malicious damage.